Brides and Grooms Take WaterView to Court

After WaterView Club announced they closed their doors, engaged couples who planned their wedding there headed to the DA's office, according to Newsday.

Several couples who had planned to hold their nuptials at the Bayville beachside club reportedly met with the Nassau County District Attorney's office Tuesday to file complaints and get their money back from owner Paul Burnup.

"We definitely have every intention of going after Paul and getting the money," Joseph O'Keefe, 34, of Brooklyn, told Newsday. O'Keefe reportedly laid out $20,000 for a waterfront wedding at WaterView Club.

The club reportedly closed because they owed the American Legion, who owns the venue, about $200,000 in back taxes, back rent, and utility payments. As the situation is sorted, Burnup said he is trying to find backup venues for the couples as the situation is managed with the American Legion.

According to Newsday:

"We're hoping the brides and grooms and parties will seek justice through the legal system," said Vincent Libertini, commander of Bayville American Legion Robert H. Spittel Post 1285. "Our heart goes out to them, but we had to do what we had to do."

Burnup Tuesday would not address the eviction or refunds for events. He said in a statement, "We have been doing everything in our power to make these events take place. Unfortunately, we are not receiving the cooperation we asked for, expected and that the clients deserved."